WESTFORD — After 15 years of community involvement, volunteerism, and public service in Westford, Elizabeth Almeida is taking on a new role as a member of Westford Community Access Television’s Board of Directors, bringing a commitment to local journalism and civic engagement.
Almeida, who has raised her children in Westford, has spent much of her time contributing to local organizations and town government.
Her involvement includes serving on the Select Board, Agricultural Commission and the founding committee of the Westford Community Garden, along with participating in Flowers to Empower and various school activities, she told a WCAT reporter.
She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Boston Area Gleaners, an organization focused on addressing food insecurity and reducing food waste. Through her years of service, she has become connected to the community.
“My connection to the community comes through 15 years of volunteerism on town boards and committees and being a regular participant in our democratic process, including voting and town meetings,” Almeida said.
Her decision to join WCAT’s board comes from a belief in the importance of independent journalism and its role in keeping residents informed about decisions affecting their community.
“I said yes to joining the WCAT board because I value local journalism,” Almeida said. “Journalism asks tough questions, looks beyond the spin of each side of an issue, and strives to deliver the unbiased truth.”
During her time on the Select Board, she became familiar with WCAT’s work broadcasting and recording public meetings. She sees the organization’s expansion into local news coverage through The Westford Villager as an opportunity to build upon that mission.
“To turn that coverage into news is a way to deepen their mission,” Almeida said.
Almeida is particularly interested in strengthening the newspaper’s coverage of local government, including the annual budget process, infrastructure projects and other decisions that shape Westford’s future.
“Every year the community faces new decisions. Every year during the town budget season we discuss our values and attempt to reflect those values in the budget,” she said.
She believes The Westford Villager can help residents better understand those decisions and encourage greater participation in local government.
Beyond municipal reporting, Almeida appreciates the newspaper’s ability to highlight community members, share local events and provide a platform for different perspectives.
“Our local paper provides a depth of coverage that is not easily found elsewhere,” Almeida said. “I appreciate the highlights of public meetings, letters to the editor that cause the reader to think more critically, and it celebrates the good people doing good work in Westford.”
As she settles into her new position, Almeida hopes to gain a better understanding of the newspaper’s operations, particularly the relationship between journalism, advertising, community contributions and editorial independence.
However, ultimately, Almeida hopes her involvement will encourage more residents to recognize the importance of local journalism and become active participants in their community.
“I am someone who believes we can all make a difference,” Almeida said. “Pick something you are curious or passionate about and find a way to get involved.”
